Chris Hughton has reiterated Albion's stance over their in-demand defender Lewis Dunk.

The Seagulls have rejected a £4 million offer from Fulham for the centre-half.

The Cottagers have been in hot pursuit of Dunk throughout the summer but Albion have made it clear all along they have no intention of selling their prize asset to another Championship club.

Fulham are believed to have made two previous bids of £2.5 million and £3 million for the 23-year-old and have upped their offer following the £11 million move of Patrick Roberts to Manchester City.

Dunk sat out last night’s 3-0 friendly win at Crawley with a knock sustained in training.

Hughton said of the injury: “It’s a very genuine one. Lewis took a whack in the Southampton game. He had to pull out of training yesterday (Tuesday).

“He could have played but we have to think about the weekend. We’ve got a tough game at Aberdeen and at this stage, particularly with Gordon Greer out at the moment, we couldn’t take any chances.

“We know the quality Lewis has and any interest in him is a consequence of the level he has got to but he’s a Brighton player, one we see having a very bright future here. We certainly don’t want to be losing our best players.”